Jewelry Designer Kara Ross is Redefining Diamonds in A Truly Empowering Way

Kara Ross has long been passionate about rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and other rare gemstones. But it’s diamonds that are most captivating the fine jewelry designer these days—and not in the way that you’d think.

The New York-based designer has long pushed the envelope when it comes to creating unexpected, whimsical and artsy fine jewelry, a trade, which is known for it’s stalwart design traditions. And after making waves in the world of fine jewelry by drilling gems into baroque pearl (unheard of!) setting semi-precious gemstones into fobs on handbags (jewelry on handbags!), Ross is daring to break another longstanding tradition in the category: She wants you buy your own diamonds.

Kara Ross

“There is a stigma attached to buying a diamond, [mainly] that you have to wait until you get engaged to have one,” Ross told Glamour, “Women buy their own cars, houses—diamonds are the only commodity that still have the stigma that women shouldn’t buy themselves one. I want to break that.”

And that’s just what Ross is doing with her new initiative and collection, called Diamonds Unleashed. Diamonds Unleashed is not simply a really gorgeous fine jewelry collection, it celebrates and supports women through various outlets including salons, where women can discuss important topics that make a difference and women’s charitable organizations across the world, such as She’s The First and Girls Who Code.

Here’s the really cool part. If you think oh, diamonds, yeah, not on my budget, Ross designed two lines, with various price point options. One Diamonds Unleashed collection, which features stack rings, pendants, and bracelets with the sparkly stunners sells in HSN from $100 to about $1,000 per piece. The second collection, which launches at Neiman Marcus stores today, is just a tad more decadent with ear cuffs, stacking rings, and sautoir necklaces that range from $750 to $25,000.

And Ross isn’t alone in her mission. She tapped brand ambassadors to help carry the message and raise money for the cause. Serena Williams and Diana Taylor are just some of the influential women who are speaking out for women’s empowerment through this initiative.

“This is really about modern day women’s empowerment,” said Ross. “We’re like diamonds—strong, multifaceted, and yes, unbreakable.” Well said.

Without further ado, here are some exceptional pieces from the collection:

Click here for more information on Diamonds Unleashed charitable initiatives.